We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The many hidden architectural gems (despite the removal of so much of the historic centre)!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has everything for everyone. Beautiful location, friendly locals and a fascinating diverse history that we should be proud to share.
People with adventure and creativity in their hearts they have sought and fought for their place in history.
Underated and often berated Dundonians should be proud to stand up and be recognised as a/ the city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Bridge FM - Dundee's hospital radio station at Ninewells. Excellent banter from local presenters.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity within the city. It is the best place to be inspired by creative individuals working in a city of creative culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The castle in Broughty Ferry. It houses a surprisingly strong collection of Scottish art - not what you'd expect from a pretty random tower by the beach!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The climbing wall in the church-I think it surprises most of the people coming from continental Europe.
But what I like about Dundee the most is the international environment, especially within the College of Life Sciences. We are a bunch of strangers gathered here from all around the world, and we really stick together, we are a family here, far away from home. I lived in Hungary and France before, but nowhere is as easy to find friends as it is in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great bars springing up in the west end, fantastic cafes. the stunning views of the river and bridges that change daily
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the history and the resiliance of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not just about the Ferry or the west end : even smaller local areas have marvels like Fortes cafe, the Balmore Bar, Jessies kitchen and so many others. Dundee has wonderful architecture all over, not just in the currently affluent areas, and around every corner there are wonderful parks and green spaces. Dundee is beautiful if you look past the billboards and industrial sites....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A real sense of community and a buzz about the wealth of creativity in all areas - there are so many opportunities for all to be involved in the many exciting events, festivals and new developments in the city. It has a fabulous waterfront setting with glorious sunsets to inspire you - and a cracking cafe culture too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a teenager Dundee Contemporary Arts was my first experience of seeing a contemporary art exhibition. I still remember first setting foot in the wonderful galleries and how intrigued I was. A few years later I was excepted into art college. I vividly remember nattering on about several of DCA's exhibitions in my interview.

A few years later I was lucky enough to work at DCA. From here I discovered an organisation always striving to bring the best of the visual arts to the city while continuing to welcome as diverse an audience as possible. Every year it introduces many more young people to the possibilities of the visual arts through its excellent education, cinema and gallery programmes. DCA is there for you from the beginning. Its brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An inspiring creative community. Great people. Countless art events and festivals.. Stunning river location. A blue flag beach. An extinct volcano. Historic ships. Britain's only full time public observatory. Castles. The UK's only Frank Gehry building. World leading research centers. Digital hub city. Great entertainment and cultural venues. It's time to share Dundee's secrets with everyone in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a quality city to live and work in and it never ceases to amaze me that generally held perceptions of Dundee are so wide of the mark. Some of the other posts have said all, it's a happening place and Scotland, the UK and the world will soon get the message.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's Scotland's fastest growing city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic universities attracting great staff and producing top talent in a variety of fields.

Stunning setting -The views /sunsets along the Tay are beautiful and unique to this city.

The Mills observatory is the UK's only public observatory allowing people to learn and enjoy the night sky.

Dundee has great potential and is evolving for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy and buzz in the city as the waterfront development progresses as well as the vibrant culture in the city with some great venues - The DCA, The Rep and the McManus all spring to mind. The addition of the V&amp;A is going to be fabulous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The main surprise to an outsider is the vibrancy and richness of the cultural life, which reflects the enthusiasm of the people who live and work in Dundee. They have a real pride in the history and achievements of the city; these attitudes are found right across the spectrum of the population.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the ability to re-invent itself
exciting to see the city connecting with the river again
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the brilliant and creative people that live here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee has an amazing sense of unity regardless of its many diverse cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Galleries - a great treasure trove!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic variety of theatre and music events, not only by 'professional' performers, but also talented 'amateurs'. I lived in several cities in Europe and have never come across so many musical and drama groups and societies in a city. You can not only be a spectator, but also participate! Personally, I love Opera and in Dundee I have had the opportunity to sing in Verdi and Mozart operas - a fantastic experience. And then go and see professional companies perform music you have got to know well yourself gives your everyday life and work a fresh perspective. Lovely people, beautiful place, great opportunities.
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A walk along the riverside early on a summers morning is always a great experience and you are often watched carefully by the seals basking in the sun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> listen to the singing metal post above the sandy Broughty Ferry beach near the castle when the wind blows and gaze out to the estuary to spot the dolphins.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are very welcoming and friendly people, Also the history of Dundee is very interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight.
Dundee's south facing sunny aspect - indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus.
It has a "can do" attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for everyone on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A history that could compare with any other major city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the hidden secrets - the creative juices that flow from Dundee are many and immense. And you also had the inimitable Michael Marra. A jewel in Scotland's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was proud to be leader of the council during the reopening of the McManus Galleries and also to see the beginnings of the waterfront development, both of which add significantly to Dundee's cultural landscape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city with a wonderful, supportive creative community. It is also the sunniest city in Scotland, which makes it a fantastic place to live, discover and grow in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer number of creative, enterprising people now living here, many of whom have come from across the world to be passionate about Dundee's future - is always a surprise. Dundee is vibrant!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has the best and most progressive Medical School I have come across.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant modern city with a wonderful history
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> countryside on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved away from Dundee 12 years ago but I have so many fond memories of the city. The education I received in the city didn't just come from being at the University of Abertay, it came from living within and enjoying all that the city has to over. I've watched world-class plays at the Rep Theatre, listened to some great concerts at the Caird Hall and seen some fantastic art at the galleries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is indeed a wonderful place to be. The cutural diversity seen in Dundee made me feel I was reaching the entire world in minutes. The two universities (Dundee and Abertay) champions the unity in diversity seen there.
The site of the collapsed tay bridge and the relatively new tay road bridge (longest in the world at that time) are worth mentioning.
Another stunning suprise was to discover the area where the pretigious missionary Mary Slessor and her family lived when they moved to Dundee. Her role in stopping the killing of twin babies in Calabar, Nigeria is remembered till this day. With these and many more, I hereby recommend Dundee to host the UK's city of Culture 2017. Thank you
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From Broughty Ferry to Discovery and the Law above - a blend of experiences with the River Tay shining through
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of youth and ambition
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow! 
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are so friendly. I get lots of foreign visitors at work and they all say this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's actually not bad. No, really it's great. I've been here for 8 years and think it's an incredibly vibrant wee place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee seems like a city at first glance, but once you spend time in the city you realise it is like a village, impossible to walk through the centre without bumping into people you know.
There are different vibes and culture in the different parts of Dundee and its great to walk around and learn more about each of them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Caird Park - growing up I loved going to Caird Park, we would go to the Carnival when it was there, play in the grounds of the Castle, the old cemetry, at the ponds... it was always a great adventure! Dundee has amazing parks, people from all area's of Dundee have easy access to large parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the beach in broughty ferry on a warm summers day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I came here as a student in 2006 and never left. It has every thing you could want, the DCA is brilliant with it's mix of cinema, art and educational resources. The REP is one of the best theatres in the country. There are nice places to eat, places to shop and the beach is only a short ride away. One of my favorite places in Dundee is the Howff cemetery. If you have had a busy day is a peaceful place to have a coffee and read a book.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just a few of the many words that can be used to describe our wonderful City:-
Delightful
Unique
Nostalgic
Deserving
Exciting
Encouraging
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a thriving music scene with some really good, more intimate venues, like Clarks Bar, Number 57 and Fat Sams. Dundee is big enough to be diverse and full of life, but small enough that its people can enjoy the peace of the countryside as well as the bustle of the city. From anywhere in the city you can be in the countryside within twenty minutes. I love that about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery Film Festival. I get invited every year and I love going to see films from around the world. Last year the film I saw was in French but I thought it was brilliant. Ava (aged 6)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old higgledy piggledy buildings against a backdrop of the swathe of the River Tay, and the unexpected gastronomic delights in a hidden restaurant here and a quirky bistro there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im Proud Dundonian. I Love how GTA was created in Dundee! and look out for the next top selling title to come from our city :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic variety of interests and ideas our international students bring and their amazingly positive comments on how friendly they find Dundee as a place to study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I was born there, grew up there, was educated there. I have lived my life outside of Dundee in many, many wonderful countries over the last 20 years, and Dundee remains my home. I retain a great, swelling pride when I tell people I am from Dundee. That pride deepens whenever I am lucky enough to go home. Simply a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student at the University of Dundee I was really impressed by the strong link the City has with her students. The vibrant and diverse social scene has really provided me with an excellent student experience. From Dundee you are well placed to visit many exciting parts of Scotland but still return to your "home" city in a matter of hours. I am proud to have been a part of the city's expansion over the past 5 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it &amp; let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of the city's music scene. From big bands and jazz at the universities to punk rock and indie in small venues, Dundee is again beginning to be recognised as a place well worth visiting - whatever sounds you prefer to have in your ears.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city with a vibrant student community and friendly, community conscious locals.
Each year the local Jazz Festival bring people from all over the UK and further afield. The city comes to life and the atmosphere is fantastic .
The parks and surrounding beaches are great for children and families - and its free!
Dundee is truly a city where People are the cultural centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved from Aberdeen I say the people are much more grounded and friendy. The streets are clean and there is a huge amount of creativity going on with the Waterfront project.

So glad I moved to Dundee.........
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think this is classed as a "hidden secret" but it's something I hope will be highlighted as part of Dundee's cultural activity - the annual blues bonanza held at the end of June each year - purported to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, and hugely popular with the artists and audiences alike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> New development which opens up the City for those who live there and which adds to the quality of life for its citizens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history.
We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul.
Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best thing about Dundee that you will never find anywhere else in Europe is our football, the closest grounds in Europe and win, lose or draw, there will always be friendly rivalry (or banter) yes we will wind each other up, but fans can still drink in the same pubs before and after the match, our fans are disciplined, #fact - welcome to Dundee where equality is happy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's children and young people are incredibly resilient and talented. There is a huge untapped wealth of creativity within our most vulnerable and challenging children and young people. Often these children do not get the opportunity to 'shine' but through a number of inventive and unique intitiatives we are supporting those young people in to positive destinations which through time will pay significant dividends for the Dundee of the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact you have all the amenities of a major city and yet you can drive about without the traffic stress of a big city such as an Edinburgh or a Glasgow.  There aren't the same 'wacky races' or gunge ups here !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That we are the only city in Scotland still with its own repertory group in its own theatre designed by its own architects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it's strength from it's communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty ferry is a lovely wee town with nice pubs and restaurants! Something for everybody.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The evolution and growth of the last 10 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity at the university. An amazing view over the river tay in the morning when you walk across The Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duke's Corner. More than just a bar - a place for people who appreciate good beer to sample the finest the city has to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here from Aberdeen over 10 years ago. Got married here, had my kids here; I've made this amazing city my home, but its warmth, its vibrance and its diversity never fails to surprise and amaze me. Great people. Great location. Great City!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden asset of Dundee is the fact that It is easily accessed from all other major cities in Scotland, therefore an ideal place for being the City of Culture 2017. A beautiful setting as you approach the river, miles of beach, countryside within 10 minutes and people from all walks of life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible selection of events, plays, music, exhibitions and talks, especially for a city of this size. I moved here from Sweden, and find it so much easier and fulfilling to live in Dundee. I live down by the Tay and have a magnificent view of Fife, the River and the sea. Hidden secrets? Well, Jazz nights on the Unicorn are quite an experience and the city is full of small cobbled alleyways such as Candle Lane, which is my way home. Last not least, the people must be considered a cultural treasure, friendly and with a very dry sense of humour. Go for it Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. My favourite place, that I believe is one of the city's hidden secrets is the gorgeous railway nature trail in Lochee. I had my wedding photos taken there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of good musicians in the city, the amazing venues to go and listen to well established and fabulous up and coming musicians.....Dundee is very rich with talent
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is an architecture lover's paradise! The past wealth of the city is clear to see in the architectural beauty of so many buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is vibrant with a historic combination of post-industrial feel coupled with an exciting new and positive outlook. The cultural heritage of the Tay, the UKs largest river by volume, and its gateway to the iconic mountains of scotland give it a unique feel. Being new to Dundee and having fresh eyes, the thing that strikes me most is the friendliness and desire to get things right. This includes ambitious plans for sustainable futures, and a University that is at the heart of ideals for transformation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly cosmopolitan. People come from all over the world, fall in love with it, and are always sorry to leave. It has everything you need and there is always something going on or something new to see. My favourite things are the McManus, the DCA, Balgay Hill, the Blues Bonanza, the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and the view from my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of surprises (for those who don't yet fully understand how wonderfully vibrant our wee city actually is!) There is a huge amount of creative and cultural activity happening all over the city... you just have to be dedicated to seeking it out! And if there's something in particular that you think should be happening in the city, whether that's a new club night or a new Japanese restaurant ;) ... then there is a strong network and a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm around to support new ideas and put them in to action!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every day I'm pleasantly surprised and enthralled by the breadth, depth and richness of the cultural activities and endeavours of the people of Dundee. Not just the large, and growing, artistic, musical, theatrical and literary community but the ordinary people as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The laid-back attitude and warmth of the city is my favourite aspect of Dundee. The city is going through an amazing change and with it brings an excitement, sense of opportunity &amp; open-mindedness that is really refreshing when national and global economic depression can result in an often depressive outlook. Here you find an unusual resilience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!

:)

×